FORT MITCHELL, KY (March 21, 2023) – Tim Kerdolff's introduction to corporate philanthropy came 13 years ago, immediately after he earned a degree in finance and marketing from the University of Kentucky and went to work for Fifth Third Bank.

"For me it was eye-opening to see the way the bank and other corporations support the community," said Tim, a Wealth Management Advisor for Fifth Third Private Bank, a division within Fifth Third's wealth and asset management group.

It didn't take long for Tim to make giving back his personal priority as well. The Tocqueville Society member has an impressive track record of serving on United Way committees, leading campaigns and participating in hands-on volunteer projects.

He also volunteers for a United Way systems-change partner, Best Point Education & Behavioral Health (formerly The Children's Home).

"I like that United Way offers a lot of ways to get involved in the community and impacts countless under-served areas," he said. "So much of what I do (as a Wealth Management Advisor) is coordinating teams of people to care for families. That aligns with what United Way is doing. It bridges different agencies and community initiatives, convenes the right people, and ensures there are open lines of communication and collaboration."

Early in his Fifth Third career, Tim learned the importance of board membership by participating in United Way's Board Orientation Leadership Development program. He followed that with United Way committee work that included visiting partner agencies and meeting with executive directors and board members; reviewing partner requests for funding; and serving on the Northern Kentucky Action Council. If the council needed volunteers at a kindergarten readiness event or to help fill donated book bags for students, Tim was there.

In 2021, he chaired United Way's Northern Kentucky campaign with Kris Knochelmann. And in 2022, he helped lead Fifth Third's corporate campaign.

Whew!

Tim shows no sign of letting up.

"It's been fulfilling for me because I've been able to see how agency partners utilize (United Way) funding. I've been able to see how United Way helps agencies optimize funds invested. I've been able to see how United Way makes funding decisions. And I've been able to see the bigger-picture strategy behind where United Way wants to (make an impact) within the community."

On a personal level, Tim wants to make an impact, too. A lifelong resident of Northern Kentucky, he has focused much of his attention there. He lives in Fort Mitchell with his wife, Marsha, and sons John, 7, and James, 3.

Tim has had several discussions with Chuck Session, United Way's recently appointed Northern Kentucky Executive-in-Residence. "I'm definitely excited about building on the momentum," Tim said.

"I try to participate in anything where I can either add value or better understand an issue that impacts the community.

"Too many families in the community are struggling. It takes effort from everybody to make improvements in people's lives. There are a lot of ways to accomplish that, and I'll do my part."

He already is.

"I'm reliving my childhood through my children, whether that's playing video games or playing sports together. Both sons are into Star Wars, which has been a lot of fun. We've got action figures; we've got lightsabers; we've got a lot of it."